I'm starting to wind down my to be read pile for 2010. I needed a break from a heavy reading book and figured a children's graphic novel is what I needed. I just finished Amulet Stonekeeper Vol 1 by Kazu Kibuishi, who is known for contributing to the highly acclaimed Flight graphic novel-fantasy short stories series.

Description: After a family tragedy, Emily, Navin, and their mother move from their home in the city to an ancestral home to start their lives over. The ancestral home once belonged to Emily's great great grandfather who was an inventor, but suddenly disappeared and left behind a powerful amulet. Creepy things begin to happen in the hollow house once Emily discovers the amulet, particularly in the basement, where a tentacled creature in the basement kidnaps Emily's and Navin's mother and leads the children on a deadly chase into the magical world below their home.

Review: Amulet: The Stonekeeper is a graphic novel that has lots to offer for young fantasy readers. Boys and girls alike will be drawn to the main characters, Emily and Navin, as well as their dangerous journey. Emily is a spunky heroine, who has to make difficult decisions on her own without the help of her elders and must grow up quickly in order to save her family. Navin is Emily's younger brother who is brave in his own right and must also help his sister from becoming too dependent on the powers that surround the mysterious amulet.
The pacing of this graphic novel is pitch perfect. The uncluttered visuals presented in the colorful panels, clear dialogue, and the action-packed adventure sequences does not allow the reader to be bored. I was a bit surprised on the heavy elements of the story, particularly the heart-wrenching moment where Emily loses her father in a tragic accident right from the very beginning. As an adult reading this graphic novel, it was a bit dreary to find that the kids have to find answers on their own without any guidance besides anamorphic creatures and robots, but I think this very notion will draw in younger readers. Amulet: Stonekeeper is part of a three volume series. I look forward to reading the next two books and getting to know our main characters at bit better and unlocking the secrets of the mysterious and powerful amulet.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There are some scary images and mature themes, such as losing a parent that might scare the younger kids. I would recommend this graphic novel to kids in Grades 4 to 7.

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I am a librarian at Maine East High School. The opinions and content of this blog are my own and are not that of my employer.
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